Review of Fitzcarraldo (1982) by Dj R — 05 Aug 2018

Werner Herzog's Masterclass on Obsession.

Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo may be remembered as the film wherein he lifted a steamboat over a mountain while fighting off bugs, disease, famine, and Klaus Kinski trying to kill everyone, but it is precisely because of his obsessive persistence in completing the film that Fitzcarraldo is remarkable. It is a parallel on film of Herzog's struggles in finishing the filming of Fitzcarraldo much like Klaus Kinski's character's obsession with opera that leads him to undertake his Amazonian expedition for rubber to fund his opera house.

Herzog appears to have perfected his artistic film-making style from the years doing Aguirre: The Wrath of God & Nosferatu the Vampyre, for Fitzcarraldo is immaculately filmed. Gorgeous scenery, shots of the boats, close ups showing so much emotion and turmoil. Herzog's penchant for showing natives, animals, and nature in their natural surroundings with real reactions is on full display. His cinematography is truly astounding and a wonder to look at in Fitzcarraldo.

This film utilizes its theme of opera's drama and intensity with its lush sets, real props, atmospheric music as well as operatic performances within the film itself. Herzog's diegetic sounds are audible throughout the movie. The actors bring the Peruvian jungle to life. Claudia is particularly persuasive in the first half where she is present.

Then, Klaus Kinski, as usual in Herzog's films, is the main attraction. Kinski's method acting as the totally obsessed Fitzcarraldo is utterly brilliant and hypnotic. His wild eyes view over all as all he hears is his opera. Opera is his passion and motivation. Kinski portrays this brilliantly. I understand Herzog had to deal with Klaus Kinski going nuts in the jungle in order to film this, but perhaps, it was worth it for Fitzcarraldo is Herzog's masterpiece. Kinski wants his opera house, and he will stop at nothing for that musical bliss.

I recommend seeing at least watching Fitzcarraldo for its achievement in the perseverance of making the film as well as its insane charms as a stand alone Werner Herzog piece. Art films have been filmed that are more mad, but none have been filmed with the same mad drive of Herzog to complete the one and only Fitzcarraldo.